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THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF SMOKY VALLEY RECEIVES DAVID NUTT GRANT AND ANNOUNCES SECOND CONCERT FEB 13, 2022

January 11, 2022

LINDSBORG, KAN., JAN. 11, 2022–The Chamber Orchestra of the Smoky Valley recently received a grant from the David Nutt Fund for Lindsborg in the amount of $10,000.00. Although administered by the McPherson County Community Foundation, the Nutt grant applications are reviewed by a grant selection committee comprised of Lindsborg residents who with the help of input from a Lindsborg community survey make final selections. 


The Chamber Orchestra of Smoky Valley is an auditioned, regional ensemble of professional musicians that includes not only a few Bethany faculty members, but players from Wichita, Salina, and Hutchinson as well. Seeking to educate and engage audience members through the performance of orchestral masterworks, the ensemble is under the musical direction of Dr. Keith Dodson, Assistant Bethany College Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Studies, and led by concertmaster Ann Samuelson, who is also a Bethany College Assistant Professor of Upper Strings. While there are many symphonic orchestras in the central Kansas area, this ensemble is unique in terms of its smaller size fostering a level of intimacy in their performance and venues and creating a different concert experience from the large halls of symphonic orchestras. Dr. Dodson, shares his gratitude stating, the orchestra will have “another opportunity to share classical music with the Lindsborg and Salina/McPherson communities in large part due to the Nutt grant.” 


Mr. Nutt first shared his support of Bethany in 1988 when he felt compelled to match a gift to Bethany after reading a Lindsborg News Record article about a gift the college had received to improve library facilities. Based on all the kindness shown to him as a child, Nutt desired to support any contribution that he knew his neighbors and former Bethany librarians Vendla (’14) and Elda (’14) Wahlin would support. 


The Lindsborg David Nutt fund was originally established as an endowment in 2004 to provide a resource to organizations serving the Lindsborg community and the invested endowment gift earnings allows for approximately $350,000 in annual grant distributions. 


The Chamber Orchestra of the Smoky Valley continues Mr. Nutt’s appreciation for the unique experiences and vision of nurturing the progress of the entire Lindsborg community.  Don’t miss the Chamber Orchestra of the Smoky Valley’s second concert at the Swedish Pavilion at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum on February 13 at either 4 or 6 pm. Seats are limited and should be reserved. At each concert, there will be 25 preferred seats, for $25.00, and 50 general admissions (no charge) seats. Contact Anne Hassler Heidel at (785)227-3380 ext. 8235 or by email at
hasslerheidelas@bethanylb.edu to reserve your ticket.

   

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is on the Web at and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.



 

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April 2, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State.  Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
March 28, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
March 27, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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